San Rafael, CA Fence Regulations: Retaining Walls (2026)
Key Facts
- By-right height
- 4 feet in rear/side yards
- Hillside threshold
- 25%+ slope needs design review
- Permit trigger
- Building permit over 4 feet
- Review body
- Community development director
Summary
San Rafael caps retaining walls at four feet in required rear and interior side yards; taller retaining walls on hillside parcels with 25%+ slope need environmental and design review to minimize grading and tree removal impacts.
Retaining walls not exceeding a height of four feet (4′) in height may be located within the required rear yard and interior side yard.2.With Required Planning Permits. The following may be permitted in residential districts with prior approval of design review (pursuant to Section 14.25.040.C.) and/or exception (pursuant to Chapter 14.24) as noted:a.Retaining walls over four feet (4′) in height on hillside parcels (i.e., property that contains a slope of twenty-five percent (25%) or greater or designated -H Overlay) may be permitted with environmental and design review if the community development director finds it necessary to minimize grading and/or tree removal impacts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
SRMC § 14.16.140.A (Fences and walls, Residential Districts) limits retaining walls to four feet (4′) in height within the required rear yard and interior side yard by right. A separate exclusion in § 14.16.130.C also allows retaining walls of four feet or less anywhere within required yards. Retaining walls exceeding four feet on a hillside parcel, defined as a lot with 25% or greater slope or a -H Overlay designation, require environmental and design review, approved only if the community development director finds the taller wall necessary to minimize grading or tree-removal impacts. Retaining walls over four feet also require a building permit under § 14.16.140.A.1.e.
Violations & Fines
Building a retaining wall over four feet without the required design review and building permit is a zoning and building code violation, subject to stop-work orders and code enforcement action by the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a retaining wall be in San Rafael without review?
Do I need a building permit for a retaining wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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